6-29-10

DANIEL 2

We could all use a friend like Daniel. He is an example, trustworthy, faithful, confident and steadfast.

Chapter 2 presents the story of Nebuchadnezzar’s forgotten dream. He has this dream, is frightens him, but he can’t remember what it was. So he calls his wise men, counselors, magicians, etc. to help. The command is for them to not only interpret the dream, but first they have to tell him what he actually dreamed. Since they possess no real supernatural powers, they cannot manage this task, and the command goes out to have them destroyed.

Among those counted as “wise men” (and yes, it’s very plausible that the wise men in Jesus’ birth account could have been influenced by this very time period, and from this region), are Daniel and his friends. As we read previously, Daniel confronts the guard in charge of the executions, his name is Arioch. Apparently Arioch does not particularly want to kill all these men, and he allows Daniel to approach the king to see what can be done. Given a brief reprieve Daniel retreats with his friends to come up with a solution.

Together, they pray to God for an answer.

And together, they praise God. Verses 19-23 ought to be our prayer daily. Look at the credit Daniel gives for regular interaction by God.

Daniel tells Arioch he knows the dream, and immediately Arioch rushes him to the king’s presence. Daniel proceeds to tell the dream and its interpretation. But first, he tells the king that this is not of him (Daniel), but rather that God in heaven is the one to reveal this mystery. All credit and glory goes to God.

I am not attempting to match the segments of the dream with historical and end times prophecy in detail. Suffice it to say, the dream shows Nebuchadnezzar that he/Babylon is the head of the statue, followed by kingdoms to come: Medo-Persian, Greece, Rome, and then a Divine Kingdom, occurring during the period we know to be the Millennium, when Christ returns. Christ will once and for all rule and reign forever following that last kingdom.

Daniel is rewarded with a big promotion, and he remembers his friends, who also receive greater positions of authority. This will irritate the native Babylonian officials, as we’ll find out later.

SO WHAT…?

So, as much as this is an end-times prophecy book, I look at Daniel’s consistent life centered on God. Faced with death, he petitions for time, so he can give God a chance to intervene. More importantly, he gives people around him the opportunity to see God through his actions. Remember, the people of Judah, his "family" are watching, too. They need to be reminded of Who is still in control.

So, I need to be just as faithful in prayer, both for requests and in praise for God’s daily and regular interaction with us. How do I face tough decisions? Do I seek to pray first?

So, God has given me (and you) gifts, and the recognition of those gifts must be reflected directly back to Him.

And, oh yeah, we still have the last two kingdoms of this dream to be fulfilled. Christ is coming back for His people. I am one of them, are you?